Foot Tune-Up Tips for Spring and Summer

Have your feet been battered by boots this winter? Before
digging your sandals out of the closet, Foot.com recommends preparing your
feet for the warmer weather.

"If you want your feet to look and feel good in summer sandals and strappy
shoes, it's important to pay attention to foot and toenail care now," says
Dr. Suzanne Belyea, D.P.M., C. Ped. and medical director of Foot.com.
Dr. Belyea offers the following tips for sandal lovers everywhere:

* Avoid toenail trauma caused by sports injuries, wearing shoes that are too
small, or even dropping things on your feet. Once toenails are damaged,
fungus can enter, causing nails to turn thick and yellow. If an infection
occurs, the toe can become red, hot and swollen, and puss might appear. See a
podiatrist if this occurs.

* Apply lotion to your feet regularly to avoid dry skin. When you wear
sandals you are more prone to getting heel fissures (cracks in the skin).

* Avoid applying lotion between the toes, because it allows for a moist
environment that invites fungus.

* Use a pumice stone along with lotion regularly to prevent corns and
calluses from building up.

* Wear properly fitting shoes to reduce the chance of blisters, corns,
calluses and many other foot disorders that are caused by poor-fitting shoes.

* Prepare for a different feel when you sport sandals for the first time.
Sometimes wearing a closed shoe, especially if it is poor-fitting or too
small for the foot, weakens foot muscles because the shoe is carrying the
foot. Putting on sandals requires more use of these muscles and strengthens
them.

* If muscle weakness is a problem, consider purchasing sandals specifically
designed to build the muscles in your feet.

* If corns or calluses are extreme just before summer, visit a podiatrist to
have your nails cut and the corns and calluses removed.

* Feel free to cut off toe hair if you find it unsightly. The good news is
that hair on the toes is actually a sign of healthy feet and good
circulation.

For more information about foot health and care, visit http://www.foot.com.